The UAE is set to deepen economic ties with Africa through a major tourism investment summit in Dubai this October. Held under the umbrella of FHS World 2025, the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit aims to strengthen cross-continental collaboration, foster new partnerships in tourism and hospitality, and position the UAE as a strategic hub for investment into Africa’s growing markets.
Strategic partnership aimed at economic integration
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism of the UAE has announced that it will host the first-ever UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on October 27, 2025, in Dubai. The event will be a central part of FHS World 2025 (Future Hospitality Summit) — a global platform focused on investment, innovation, and growth in the hospitality and tourism industries.The summit is part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and African countries, with a particular focus on attracting mutual investments in sectors like tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, and other related services.In line with this objective, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Bench, the London-based organisers of FHS World. The agreement was signed in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism. Signatories included Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry, and Daria Smith, Portfolio Director at The Bench.Through this partnership, the Ministry and The Bench will work together to manage the event’s organisation and promotion, showcasing investment opportunities across Africa’s diverse tourism landscape.
High-level participation and broad continental representation
The summit is expected to host over 250 high-level attendees, including:
- Senior government officials
- Tourism ministers
- Investment promotion agency representatives
- Private sector decision-makers and investors
All 53 African nations will be represented, making it one of the most comprehensive tourism-focused gatherings of the region’s public and private stakeholders.The event is strategically positioned to cement the UAE’s reputation as a reliable investment partner for African countries, helping to create new pipelines for collaboration across sectors that are vital to the continent’s economic future.
Shared vision for sustainable growth and development
Badreya Al Maidoor underscored the Summit’s significance in driving joint development. She noted that the event will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building between the UAE and African countries, aimed at advancing sustainable development through shared interests and project creation.She also aligned the Summit’s goals with the UAE’s national agenda, stating that the initiative supports the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which positions the UAE as a leading global hub for the new economy. This national vision emphasizes international cooperation, future-oriented sectors, and economic sustainability.
FHS World 2025: A catalyst for regional and global dialogue
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) is a globally recognized platform that brings together key players across the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. FHS serves as a space for:
- Strategic dialogue and networking
- Exploring global and regional hospitality trends
- Fostering investments and cross-border partnerships
- Promoting sustainable tourism and innovation
- Talent development and leadership exchange
FHS is organized by The Bench, a company founded by Jonathan Worsley in 2001. Initially launched as the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in 2006, the event has since evolved into FHS, expanding its influence across Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the global stage.Commenting on the collaboration, Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, expressed pride in partnering with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. He emphasized the UAE’s role as a bridge between global capital and emerging markets, adding that the new Summit will help unlock deal flows and create a supportive ecosystem for long-term economic growth across Africa.Participants can expect the Summit to deliver:
- Opportunities for public-private collaboration in tourism, investment, and hospitality
- Strategic discussions on infrastructure development and market entry
- Insight into upcoming projects and initiatives in both the UAE and Africa
- Connections to international investors and institutions interested in African markets
By hosting this Summit, the UAE is not only reinforcing its position as a global business gateway but also contributing to Africa’s sustainable growth through inclusive partnerships and innovative investment solutions.
